Vital by Jamie Magee

Willow’s journey continues in VITAL, the fourth book in the INSIGHT series. Combating a crumbling family life, a circle of suddenly inconsiderate friends who seem determined to anger her, and a plethora of emotional trials too numerous to withstand, Willow feels overwhelmed. She has pushed herself beyond her own limits and in so doing has closed her mind. Dreams are no longer coming to her.

As she deals with this tumultuous environment, Willow also notices a change in her beloved. Once her source of support and compassion, Landen is suddenly filled with a newfound rage. Fierce and possessive, he forces Willow to wonder whether the bliss of their love has faded away, or if something darker is affecting Landen’s soul. Always watchful of Willow, Drake sees this change and the growing rift between the pair. Both he and Willow remember all too well what happened during Venus’s passing; will Drake take advantage of Landen’s compromised emotions?

Amidst all this turmoil, Willow finds herself obsessed with finding her: the elusive twin. The girl who looks exactly like Willow, and who must be Drake’s soul mate. Willow knows in her heart that to find this girl will remove a tremendous weight from her shoulders, clearing her mind and heart. But a mysterious warning about the chart of her past forces her to consider this course carefully.

And she must consider it soon. Even now, Mars approaches and Willow’s most important battle is at hand. Will she finally break beneath the torment the universe has set upon her, or will she stand beside her friends and loved ones as Mars unleashes its wrath? (courtesy of Amazon.com)

This is my FAVORITE book so far in the series, and maybe in total by Jamie Magee.  Each time I crack a book open from her it's better than the previous book.  Magee has an enormous talent and I am thrilled that she is writing and publishing books.  I am completely in the Insight world when I read, I've said this before about her books, but it's one of the best explanations.--- When I complete a book by Jamie Magee, I literally have to blink a few times to come back to reality.---  I have a hard time putting one of Magee's books down and Vital was one that I didn't put done until I finished. This is a series that can not go ignored.  As the 4th book in the series Magee has already set up our characters and their world which is freshly intertwined with astrology/zodiac; yet in this book I felt like I was falling in love with the characters all over again. I felt this is a pivotal book for what is to come from Magee.

Drake's character speaks to me, so I can never get enough of him.  Willow has grown as we enter this 4th book, we can see her actions are more planned.  This is a tangled situation for Willow, Landon and Drake, but for them to survive they have to find a way to make it work.  I am desperately waiting for Drake to find his soul mate, he is my favorite character in the Insight series.  Magee also writes a series called See (currently there are 2 books out in this series) which has a slightly different basis - the easily explanation I have is revolving around music and souls which I think go together very nicely.  (Potential Spoiler) Insight and See are starting to intertwine which further shows Magee's talent to bring the 2 worlds together.  Magee's character development and concepts are off the charts.

As such Magee gets 6 slices for Vital.  I am anxiously awaiting the next book Vindicate - Out Jan 11 2013

Kiss the Dead by Laurell K Hamilton

When a fifteen-year-old girl is abducted by vampires, it’s up to U.S. Marshal Anita Blake to find her. And when she does, she’s faced with something she’s never seen before: a terrifyingly ordinary group of people—kids, grandparents, soccer moms—all recently turned and willing to die to avoid serving a master. And where there’s one martyr, there will be more…


But even vampires have monsters that they’re afraid of. And Anita is one of them…(courtesy of Amazon)



I'm a big fan of the Anita Blake series, after all, having Amy hand me this series 3 years ago is what got me back into reading!  The dynamic in the series of a strong kick ass female that is set in her ways and yet, still manages to come this far and open up is great.  I have a few favorite characters and Hamilton keeps the story going whether it's a crazy vampire or an insane lover, there's always action and hot sex!  If you read Hamilton, you better be open minded and ready to be turned on but remember there's action and lots of blood.

This all being said, I read Kiss the Dead in about 5 hours.  I didn't want to put it down.  If Hamilton ended the series right here today with this book, I wouldn't be disappointed.  Don't get me wrong, I don't want her to end the series, I'm just saying that this book would bring comfort to the series ending.  I don't want to give to many spoilers away, but if you think you might be concerned, don't read on, just take my advice and read this one.

Bottom line, this book has me happy for Anita.  This is a change for some of the books, Hamilton usually has us lost in crazy sex scenes, but halfway through the book and not one scene yet.  Hamilton brings up the true Anita here, the US Marshal, the Executioner, as she works with the cops and SWAT team to find what has happened to the girl.  Well done action in only Anita's bad ass way.  Anita is with Zerbrowski (we all loves him) and it's amazing how far he's come to be Anita's partner and respect her.  Finally Anita has a game plan with all her men.  I still love Micah, Nathaniel, and Jean Claude the best for her.  We see some drama with Sin and Nicky will do anything for her, even if it costs him his life.  Anita has come full circle (many argue they don't like it or the amount of sex, well then read something else), coming full circle shows you that Anita has grown, she's comfortable in herself now.  She went from warding off men to opening her heart to quite a few and would do anything to protect them, which she shows again here as 4 end up in a bad situation.  And I'm just going to say --- fricking Asher, REALLY?  This book could be a turning point for the series.

6 slices

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I fought hard not to read the Hunger Games series. I didn’t want to read a book just because it was popular. Sure, I would get to it, because I’m obsessed with reading, but in time. Then, the movie was coming out and my friend started to ask me if I got them yet…

So I grabbed it. Let me tell you now - Hunger Games is worth all the hype! The concept of districts in North America rebuilding themselves from the revolution but set in a more sci-fi direction was intriguing. Separated into 12 districts and the Capitol, America is not what it seems.

Book 1 starts to explain where we are and how the Hunger Games have come to fruition. Of course, it comes quickly to the action of Katniss and how she has been “selected” to represent District 12. Lives are impacted drastically, as Katniss is stripped from her family. She no stranger to hardship and fighting for her life. Collins manages to quickly wrap you into her characters emotionally. From less than half way through book 1, you are so emotionally vested, I felt like I was on the train and in the capitol. Collins kept the descriptions real, crisp, I could picture it but not overly descriptive where I wanted to skim.

Peeta and Katniss tackle the Games head on. Katniss is amazing. The character dimensions are so deep. On to the bond Katniss and Peeta form, as much as Kat has been through, when it comes to Peeta she assumes the worst. She’s so intuitive to survive and I just wanted her to fall in love. Trust me , I’m not at all disappointed at Book 1, it caught me offguard as I was expecting one thing to come to another. Could Peeta be the ying to her yang?

The Games … wow, you get the craziness of the entire concept, and with it comes the brutality of what is set to occur. It’s a fight for only 1 to survive. Thank goodness I could roll immediately into book 2. Collins just dug into my heart as she ended book 1 – my heart ached.

Book 2 (Catching Fire) is packed. We’re back from the Games, we’re touring and we’re thrown, spinning in the crazy web of the Capitol. Bonds have been formed, everything is on the table to be broken. Collins delivers intense emotion and action. The train, it gets me every time. Again, we’re invested in these characters. The losses we’ve had, having us together again. Collins brings in new characters and tosses up the dynamic.

Once again, Peeta rocks an interview. I don’t want to spoil anything about these books. What I can say is the shake up is insane! Collins in her cliffhanger end, takes it away with this one. I now know why people were so insane to get Mockingjay.

If I thought Book 2 had so much going on, book 3 tosses so much more into this series. Collins has to take you full circle and conclude the series. I would not have imagined she could do it so well in this 1 book. I felt it was a little rushed toward the end, but I was so pleased with the outcome I could overlook it. Although there is no true “game” in this book, there is still heart-wrenching war and destruction. Katniss has to come to terms with herself and her role in this mess while figuring out who to trust. Collins did a remarkable job.

Overall I give this series a 6 – I did not put it down, nor has any of my friends who read it since. Well played, the romance is sweet and the Games are brutal.

On a movie note, I thought the casting is just as I pictured. Well done and I’m anxiously awaiting the next movies. I hope they keep as close to the book as the first did.

On a “Battle Royale” note, I have this on my TBR pile, I heard of it after I read the series. The book holds a similar story line but with out the romance from what I hear and the continuation as we have in Mockingjay. I don’t think Collins “stole” the story, and I hope that Battle Royale is a great read as well. There are many books out there where there is a similar note, and if one does better than another and brings them both to light, that’s cool. The more there is to read the better. Just want our blog readers to know, I’m not in the blind about the book and will read it as well.

“Deep in the meadow, under the willow

A bed of grass, a soft green pillow

Lay down your head, and close your eyes And when they open, the sun will rise.”

Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews

Ok I’m tag teaming reviews again….I was worried that I wouldn’t give them the credit they deserve individually, but hey I gotta catch up on my reviews J they are like a tiger hounding over me when I sleep – or in this case – a LION !!

I first heard of Ilona Andrews from her 2^nd series – The Edge – I won book 2 in a contest – I started book 1 and was a little confused and had a lot on my table so I put it down.

When 2 friends RAVED about the Kate Daniels series I had to pick it up – it wouldn’t be the first author that I liked one series and was so-so about the other. 

DAMN! I’m glad I picked it up…note there are a few small spoilers in my review so if you just read this blurb and skip to the rating – then get your but out to the store to buy these that works too. 

Series synopsis from Ilona Andrews site - -

The world has suffered a magic apocalypse. We pushed the technological progress too far, and now magic returned with a vengeance. It comes in waves, without warning, and vanishes as suddenly as it appears. When magic is up, planes drop out of the sky, cars stall, electricity dies. When magic is down, guns work and spells fail.

It’s a volatile, screwed-up world. Magic feeds on technology, gnawing down on skyscrappers until most of them topple and fall, leaving only skeletal husks behind. Monsters prowl the ruined streets, werebears and werehyenas stalk their prey; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.

In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight.  But sometimes even trained killers make friends and fall in love, and when the universe tries to kick them in the face, they kick back. (http://www.ilona-andrews.com/kate-daniels/)

And now for my review -

We start out learning about Kate Daniels in Magic Bites – she’s a mercenary and damn good.  Well she has to be to protect herself.  There’s some serious action and you are sucked in, belted up and ready for the ride.  While you are learning about the characters and this world Andrews has set up, a magic apocalypse on Atlanta; you can’t help but connect.  Curran – OMG – intrigued the moment we meet, and how he’s forced to work together to solve the crimes.  Kate’s been thrown to the wolves and she’s got to team up with some she never thought she would.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thankfully the rest were right there waiting because I jumped into Book 2.

Magic Burns picks up closely on the heels of Bites – I have found that one of my favorite things in a series is when the main characters in the first stay the main characters the whole way through – you meet new people but you’re evolving in the main characters lives.  So I was stuck right in this series as we continue on with Kate.  But don’t think for a moment that her and Curran are a couple because I mentioned him in the first.  Kate’s just trying to live and keep her deepest secrets safe and keep everyone at bay.  Wonder how long that will last.  Once again, Andrews pulls out the action, and I love the humor and side stories.  You can imagine now – I am jumping up to get book 3.  

Kate never thought she’d have ties to anyone, she had to keep herself a stone against friends.  We are finally learning more and more about Kate and of course Curran isn’t far behind by now.   How Magic Strikes starts, Kate’s ready to help a friend, and she’ll stop at no cost.  Oh my, the funny humor here, poor Curran.  As Kate learns about the shapeshifter mating habits she finds there’s a few interesting things she should have known ahead of time.  J I loved this book. I loved the anticipation and the heart.  Not to mention the twists and the action.  Andrews has a lovely mix of it all. 

“Magic Mourns” in Must Love Hellhounds is a short story novella – I think you need this book to keep the flow of the series – you get so vested you won’t want to miss a beat – although the lead not Kate – it’s one of her close friends Andrea – definitely grab it.

Curran Vol 1 – Andrews husband wrote a short story that encompasses Curran’s point of view in all the meetings with Kate – LOVED IT – At this point you finally get to see what’s behind Curran’s mind when he does some crazy things.  I fell in love with Curran all over again.  It’s a quick read so don’t skip it.

Magic Bleeds starts out not at all where you’d expect it.  Kate and Curran have some things to hash – but Kate’s past and her secret are ready to be out on the table.  Andrews isn’t leaving anything out.  We’ve got some new twists on Kate’s past, action around every corner.  Kate’s a bad ass and with out her blood she wouldn’t have made it this far.  She’s got to handle her new position and everything that comes with it.  I can’t say enough good about these books

“Magic Dreams” in Hexed – another short – spins off 1 of our favorite characters, Jim and of course, Dali. 

Curran Vol 2 Fathers and Sons – once again Andrews’ hubby brings us Curran’s point of view – and again – I love seeing it through his eyes, and learning his motives for some of what he’s done.  I love the extra stories that come with learning his side. 

Magic Slays – the best yet – Curran and Kate – I love them – I love how much he needs her, I love their constant negotiation – it reminds me of some of my other favs and why I love them all so much.  They have yet again, great action they must get through. 

A Questionable Client in Magic Graves is a new short story where we see how Saiman and Kate first met. 

6 slices for sure because I couldn’t stop – I just threw one down to rush and grab the next.

I’ll give the Edge series another try – but Kate Daniels is on my list forever J

Envy by J R Ward

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father- while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers... to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.(courtesy of Amazon)

Here's the deal - I LOVE JR WARD - LOVE Over the top the Brotherhood series, so when I saw she had the Fallen Angels series, and it has ties to some of our favorite characters in the BDB series.  WIN WIN - Ward started it off awesome with Covet (Book 1) but I was a little disappointed in Crave (book 2) - well saddle up, because she brought me right back on tract with ENVY (Book 3). 

The chemistry between Veck and Reilly is intense, I totally love they completely give into it.  I was on the edge of my seat reading it and at 480 pages - I was up late that night, because I just had to finish it.  Maybe I was in a funk when I read Crave - but who cares, because Envy blows it out of the water.  And still the battle of good vs evil rolls on - must read!!!

Image by Jamie Magee

There is an ominous darkness, one that that is so dense and mind numbing that you can feel the chills race across your skin as the energy of the hatred behind it hovers near you. They thought that it was over…that he was dead….they never imagined that he was more powerful dead than he ever was alive.

A war is on the brink of erupting in the dark dimension of Esterious, the victory Willow had a few days ago was nothing less than vague memory. With each thought she has she fights the images of Drake’s dark eyes, his words… his promises. Doubt seeps into her soul as she stares forward and what could only be the hardest battle she has faced thus far.

Venus is meant to be the planet of love and peace….but when it falls into retrograde its influence changes. Matters of past relationships will surface; choices will be made with the mind and not the heart. Gateways to an evil that cannot be fathomed will open. Willow and Landen’s only defense is to hide their family away, and lock themselves in the palace that was once ruled by Donalt. The energy is heavy and dark within these walls…there is a presence that lingers and strikes at will. Cruel illusions are placed before Willow, but that is not even hardest part…what is hard is standing in room with Drake and Landen and listening to others tell you of lives that you cannot recall…for them to tell when and how you are going to die.
Every prediction and theory is about to be proven wrong…and the choice before Willow’s heart holds the lives of millions at stake. The question is will be she be able to see through the illusions before her and make a choice…she can live with? (courtesy of goodreads)

Book 3 in the Insight Series.


Over the top intensity drives this book!  I LOVED it!  Once I started - it was hard to put it down.  We've been so closely wrapped up in Landen and Willow - all the while - there's DRAKE!  Finally, in a battle to rip the scabs off those wounds and retch your emotions, we have IMAGE.  I love Landen and Willow together, don't want it to end, however, I love DRAKE - I'm not saying to put Willow and Drake together, but this book dives hard into Drake.  Thank you Jamie!!!!   Amazingly the three must figure out their destiny!


I think that Landen is so strong emotionally and Drake is so strongly in tune with his emotions - what's the difference - well Landen is comfortable, he expresses himself, he's at one with Willow.  Drake, well he acts out of emotion not matter if it's misplaced, and still he keeps it together.  I can't explain it!  I love them both!  The private conversations with Drake and Willow in this book - - still giving me the chills - Jamie does it with her books everytime - and that's a good thing.  I'm so right in the middle of the story.  


Jamie doesn't just write, but she knows her astrology and stars - I love that she has done her research - there's so much in this series that shows the level of time it's taken to put together this world.  


MAN!  I just can't get some of the comments Drake made out of my head.  And Dane - oh Dane - well, you just need to read this book!  


Jamie - Well done - XOXOXO - thank you for this one - it's the topped the other two.  I'm so emotionally vested in Landen, Willow and Drake :) ! 


6 slices

Smokin Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. 
Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke. (courtesy of amazon)

Maybe the hottest Plum book yet – I’m telling you now – I Love Ranger – Morelli has good points too, but the bad boy vibe from Ranger goes straight to the right places when he says BABE.  Evanovich is on 17 – with a couple of in betweens we’re over 20 – and she’s coming stronger than ever.  Stephanie is definitely in the middle of the Shasta – catching her skips and trying to stay alive at the same time.  And don’t forget her family drama – I’m just not sure how Evanovich manages to give us such a blend of sex, mystery, humor, and action.  She needs to bronzed!

The best scene for me was in a Porsche – when you read this book, you’ll know you hit it J  Not trying to give too many spoilers, but Evanovich continues to top it as she drives Steph into the middle of someone out to kill her and her family out to find her a husband.  I laugh out loud most of the book, the other parts I'm wrapped in a nice amount of steam (wink, wink) and then trying to figure out the mystery.  If you have never tried on the Plum series, you’re in for a treat – It’s one EVERYONE loves.  At book 17, It’s only getting better.  I’m thrilled to know that we get 2 this year – 18 is due out in November. I’m just hoping we’ve got Ranger and Morelli going strong.

I hear the movie is coming soon!

Deceived by the Others by Jess Haines

Shiarra's relationship with sexy werewolf Chaz is somewhat unconventional. Still, after a few bumps, Shia is ready to get serious. That means meeting family - or in this case, bringing Chaz's entire werewolf pack along for a rollicking full-moon weekend in the Catskills. Soon after they arrive, threatening notes appear, warning Chaz to go home. Then, their cabin is ransacked. Shia starts digging to find out whether it's the work of teenaged werewolves or something more sinister. As rumours about her vampire connections arouse the pack's hostility, Shia has to contend with other, potentially fatal dangers.(courtesy of Amazon)

Can I just say BRAVO!

Haines had me eating out of her hand in this book – I was engrossed in Shia’s emotions throughout the whole book.  It took me a day to come back to reality and I’m still not over it 100%. 

Haines has given us Shia – a Private investigator that reluctantly gets wrapped up in the world of the Others.  In Hunted by the Others (Book 1) Shia is forced in to the others as she’s being ‘hunted’ and she wants nothing to do with them – she just recently dumped her boyfriend when she found out he was a Were.  In Taken by the Others (Book 2) Shia struggles with her relationship with the Others including her on/off boyfriend Chaz (the Were), and is ‘taken’ against her will.  All the while, as I’m usually furry-friendly, I can’t help rooting for the Vamp in this series.  Haines gives me Alex Royce – I’m immediately connected to him – I don’t know how Haines does it, but she did! 

After finishing Taken – I only hope for more of Royce – so imagine my shock as we start Book 3 – Deceived by the Others – and Shia is working things out with Chaz…….

But some how Haines gets me pulling for Chaz – I’m so wrapped up in Shia’s emotions and I’m riding along as she battles some one out to kill them.  And then, just as Shia – I’m completely smacked in the face – I couldn’t believe it – and I couldn’t put the book down to stop.  I had to finish – started it that night and didn’t go to bed until I was done! Finally, I’m dying for the next book – I have to know where she’s going.  Haines is giving Shia the tough girl attitude and now I want to see where it leads her.  Let alone all the drama that is yet to come. 

So I say again – BRAVO Jess Haines – keep H&W Investigations in business and give us book 4 :) 

6 slices

Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian

DELIVERED FROM THE DARKNESS, A WOMAN FINDS HERSELF PLUNGED INTO A PASSION THAT IS DEEPER THAN MIDNIGHT.
 
At eighteen, Corinne Bishop was a beautiful, spirited young woman living a life of privilege as the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Her world changed in an instant when she was stolen away and held prisoner by the malevolent vampire Dragos. After many years of captivity and torment, Corinne is rescued by the Order, a cadre of vampire warriors embroiled in a war against Dragos and his followers. Her innocence taken, Corinne has lost a piece of her heart as well—the one thing that gave her hope during her imprisonment, and the only thing that matters to her now that she is free.

Assigned to safeguard Corinne on her trip home is a formidable golden-eyed Breed male called Hunter. Once Dragos’s most deadly assassin, Hunter now works for the Order, and he’s hell-bent on making Dragos pay for his manifold sins. Bonded to Corinne by their mutual desire, Hunter will have to decide how far he’ll go to end Dragos’s reign of evil—even if carrying out his mission means shattering Corinne’s tender heart. (courtesy of amazon)

RELEASING TUESDAY!! (6/28) Deeper Than Midnight is book 9 in the series.  This might be the best Midnight Breed yet – it’s close in my eyes, I have loved Tegan, Nikolai and Dante’s books, but Hunter – just being who he is – captivates me.  Lara Adrian brings in a different view on Vampires - she brings us THE BREED.  With an Ancient creation that gives the books their premise, Adrian manages to keep the series living strong in this latest installment.  Adrian doesn't hold back in her writing, every emotion is poured in and retched out of you; plot, mystery, intrigue, and romance can only lead to one thing - a book you have to read!


Hunter is the poster boy for rehab/reform, he's also like a machine as he is a trained soldier and carries out his orders.  Never in a million years did you expect him to fall in love.  Given his past I couldn't wait to see him get his own book.  Adrian gives you extreme warriors - Hunter is no exception - his perception of people, his ruthless fighting and his matter of fact kills - Corinne couldn't have a better bodyguard.  But she is no wimp - she's a survivor - drug from Dragos confines she's out for revenge.  (Might be light SPOILERS BELOW -- skip to last paragraph if you are worried, I tried to stay simple) 


There is the right amount of riveting romance to go along with the constant search to destroy Dragos.  In this book, the Order is tossed upside down and the birth of their first child in the compound is on his way.  We're so close to defeating Dragos but his sleeves are full of tricks.  All the while Hunter is off on his mission to safely return Corinne home, of course there is some real 'action' going on between them and on their journey.  I loved how Adrian shows Hunter's softer insides as they are wrapped up in his hard edge exterior.  We all knew he had a heart for little Mira, but as he opens up and Corinne brings out his sensual side you don't want to miss it.  You have to remember, Hunter has lacked many things a typical male growing up has the benefit of - could Corinne give him what he needs? 


Adrian some how manages to keep so much going in this book.  There are twists and turns that definitely mimic a roller-coaster.  As you close the book, you are stuck hanging over the cliff.  Darker After Midnight can't come quick enough!  So far only up to this book 10 is on the list - i'm hoping for more - Adrian gives us a glimpse at a few new warriors we might see...let's keep our fingers crossed.


6 slices

Possess Me at Midnight by Shayla Black

An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black's electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both. 

As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard's intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible -- and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother's sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power.

Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life -- and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover's fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can't ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can't resist? (courtesy of amazon)


Book 3 and Shayla Black is still coming on strong with this series.  So far, this has been my favorite.  The passion and denial between Sabelle and Ice, the battle and chase, the back story on both Ice and Bram, none of it was lacking.  Black delivers the same erotic passion between her lead characters.  Sabelle had me a little aggravated at times, but that's just because Ice is one of my favorite Brethren.  


Still in the midst of battling for their safety, Ice has the one piece that may lead them to victory.  His powerful weapon is right inside - amazing!  Finally Ice gets what he's longed for, in more ways than one.  I was on the edge of my seat as Mathias and Ice duke it out.  


Over and over again Black delivers in this series.  I love what I read, most of it anyway :), there are a few authors that command me to dig in and hold on to the book the way Black has done.  She's now on my must read list, up there with Kenyon, Hamilton, Dare, Ward, Adrian, Mead just to name a few.  


6 Slices

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. (courtesy of Amazon)

Let me first start out with this COVER – I want those shoes!! I was waiting in line when I saw this book, I was drawn to it, but I had a ton on my TBR pile – so I didn’t grab it.  I came home and one of our fellow bloggers (Demonlover) was reading it that very night and enjoying it.  That was it, I had to get it, it was meant to be!

I was NOT disappointed – Humorous, Hot and Hooked – This book has the best of all worlds.  From the first pages I was gripped by Charley – premise of her being the grim reaper – the steam coming from her sexy dreams – the fearless attitude – the snarky comments – how can you go wrong?  I could totally relate LOL – Once you throw in a mystery to solve, this is heaven for me and I can’t wait for a sequel…(Second Grave on the Left/Aug 2011) (Cover art already for Third Grave Dead Ahead/Feb 2012)

Darynda Jones is a debut author – many of my favorites (Ward) had snippets of reviews on her book cover – Jones deserves all the praise she receives.  The chapters all begin with a quote either from our lead character or randomly found by Jones.  I compare her to the famous Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum series 17+books) where the humor and mystery collide.  Jones gives it her own niche along with adding the gripping paranormal that I crave.  I am crossing my fingers that Jones can go as far with this series because I want more and more of it!

Charley not only has to solve the crime and release the souls, but she needs to search her own soul and find her mystery dream visitor – could it be who she thinks…no one has yet been able to explain what she has dealt with since she can remember.  Let me tell you, those dreams she has, I said Hot before and I meant it – of course when they start coming on while she’s awake and in a room full of people………

Again, Jones must have writing in her blood, because from out the gate she’s amazing.  Grab this book and get to reading!  This is the moment where we’ve realized greatness and we just need more of it!

(Note: love shortening Charlotte to Charley – in fact – it’s what I did with my niece)


I don't do it often - but I think this one deserves the extra - 6 slices and that last one is a BIG one :)

Pale Demon by Kim Harrison

Condemned and shunned for black magic, Rachel Morgan has three days to get to the annual witches’ conference and clear her name, or be trapped in the demonic ever-after . . . forever after.

But a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car going across the country? Talk about a recipe for certain disaster, even without being the targets for assassination.

For after centuries of torment, a fearsome demon walks in the sunlight—freed at last to slay the innocent and devour their souls. But his ultimate goal is Rachel Morgan, and in the fight for survival that follows, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.(courtesy of Amazon)

I was finishing my last 60 pages or so, while I had on the Academy Awards as "background" noise.  The Presenters for best script came up and said 'they say you know a great script when the words flow right to your heart' - - if that works for books, then Pale Demon is not just great but Academy Award winning.  The 9th book in the Hollows series by Kim Harrison, Pale Demon keeps the unspoken promise of not disappointing.  Had this been a script for a movie, there would be no question of it winning every award.

I'm not sure how Harrison does it, her words drag every emotion straight from my soul when I read this series.  Just trying to survive, our main heroine Rachel, has been forced to make life damning choices.  And surviving those choices, just about takes away every chance of happiness.  One the edge of your seat thrills and twists as the mysteries unfold, you are rooting for Rachel.  Harrison manages to add unforgettable humor with our favorite pixie Jenks...as if you needed another reason to enjoy the books.  With a vampire roommate like Ivy, I'm not sure I'd be able to make a decision either ;).

Pale Demon gives Rachel a chance to get her life back together, one thing she needs to give her hope.  Of course, it's never that easy.  Trent has his own agenda where Rachel is concerned and he may be her only option to succeed.  As always Harrison, throws in action and drama, unfolding a new side to our favorite demon, the ever after, and saving the world from our least favorite demon.  Harrison gives you genuine emotion in her books.  There is no unneeded passion, it's reality (well as close as you can get); and the heartache, elation, and tension she's given us for Rachel only have me hoping for book 10 and develop Rachel even further.  There is so much to this book, wrapping and unwrapping the series.  It definitely earns a  6 slice rating!

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them. (courtesy of goodreads)

Let me just say that Vampire Academy is my ALL time favorite Young Adult Read (I feel like it shouldn’t even be classified as Young Adult but I realize that is ages 18-25). 

I LOVE this series. 

Last Sacrifice is an intensely emotional and a wild ride mystery read.  Mead has kept her readers involved and on their toes once again.  As this book ends the series, I can only hold my breath waiting for the spin off series due out sometime in middle/late 2011 because her characters have come to hold such a part of my heart from the very first book (titled Vampire Academy).

In this book, our lead bad girl, Rose, has to fight to prove her innocence, find a missing person linked to save Lissa, protect the ones she loves, and determine who is her true love.  That’s a typical day in the life for Rose.  She has definitely grown in this series and I was ready for her to get her final day/reward.  I will hope to get cameo’s from her in the spin off, but Rose has been battling for everything she has since our first book.  Dimtri is tasked to watch over Rose, where will it lead them?  (I’m not giving spoilers, well trying not to) They have no choice but to fight their way.  Lissa has also grown in the series, and is ready to accept her changes.  Accepting them is one thing, but can she expect to win them?  Lissa is determined to help Rose prove her innocence.  All of Rose’s friends are out to finally come to her aide as she has done for them.  Rose, however, always wants to keep them hidden and safe. 

The story was amazing.  The way the plot unfolds and the suspense Mead leaves you in as you read kept me biting my lip.  I could not put the book down.  Mead closed where we were left from Spirit Bound, solved the mystery, left our characters in a good place where we can see a potential but it’s not finite and laid out.  All but 1, and I can only hope I get that story in the spin off.  We meet new characters here and further develop some “passerbys” from the previous books.  The spin off has so many places it can go.

Bottom line Last Sacrifice definitely gets 6 slices!!!  Mead has written this series in such a way that I feel the passion and thrills as if I was there.